Language
Currency
If there's a simple way to describe Christmas in Sicily, that is only with three words: traditional, religious, and festive. It is undoubtedly more about family time and tradition than gifts, hectic shopping, and Santa Claus.
This island gem in Italy is captivating enough and allures many tourists to its mesmerising sun-kissed beaches in the summer. However, Sicily is also an exciting destination to spend Christmas. This time of the year invites people to explore its enchanting and exciting processions, nativity scenes, quaint markets with its shimmering lights, smells and colours.
It starts at full swing on the 8th of December with the "Feast of the Immaculate Conception" festival-- dedicated to celebrating the Virgin Mary and officially inaugurates the Christmas season. All the lights, elaborate decorations, along with the locals' Christmas spirit envelope the villages and towns as they awake from hibernation, imbuing them in a glimmering show of colours, merriment and nativity displays.
Christmas in Sicily is truly a sight to behold and an unforgettable celebration to experience. If you're planning your forthcoming holiday here, read on to find out what you can expect in its different cities.
>>> Discover our marvellous villas in Sicily
This quaint city, nestled in the shadow of an active volcano, is a magical place to discover-- and is deeply rooted in family bonds and catholic institutions. One of its most distinctive features is its marvellous Baroque churches. Which during the festivity, will leave a lasting impression on its visitors. Catania offers a beautiful vibrant scene of shimmering decorations, twinkling trees, and extravagantly ornamented cathedrals during this special season.
A must-visit is Catania Cathedral- where children and families alike go and light candles, sing carols, and read scriptures-- imbuing anyone in the true Catanian Christmas spirit.
Another place you cannot miss out on visiting is the Pescheria Market. Here, one can get a taste of the delicious Catanian cuisine, enjoy the seductive sounds, aromas, and glow of Catania's unique Christmas season.
And while you're there, don't forget to make a trip to the mind-blowing Mount Etna-- Catania's active volcano. There are beautiful nature trails and exciting ski slopes to venture during your time here.
Taormina is famously known in Sicily as the pearl of the Ionian Sea. This marvellous historical cliff-top town overlooking the sea offers dazzling and climactic Christmas parades and festivities in every corner. Taormina will prompt you to partake in various local Christmas activities-- which embody the vibrant essence of this beautiful town. Not only does it boast many beautiful colours and alluring aromas-- but also tickles any visitor's curiosity to trace through its history, legends and myths that envelop it.
What's more, this town also offers architectural beauty to behold. You can also explore the cobbled streets and encounter endearing choirs and orchestras.
If you didn't get the chance to visit Mount Etna in Catania, not to worry, it's also at a near distance from this Taormina, and you will get the chance of soaking up the breathtaking views this enchanting attraction has to offer.
It's certainly a place you wouldn't like to miss out on during your trip around Sicily.
Palermo is one of the best places in Sicily to visit Christmas markets. This top destination cannot be overlooked while spending your vacation on the island, should you want to bask in the true Sicilian Christmas spirit. Palermo will certainly not disappoint you.
Explore its interwoven glimmering markets while admiring eclectic crafts and intricate antiques. You can also find handmade Sicilian gifts and toys to bring back home with you.
Moreover, become immersed in a wonderland of extravagant local art displays, unique decorations, and nativity scenes. Not to mention the traditional street food that will excite anyone's taste buds. Which, of course, provide a plethora of delicious styles of pasta- and exquisite local specialities such as Arancini, Panino Con Le Panelle, Pane Con la Milza, Frittola, Stigghiola, and Sfincione.
>>> Discover the different sites in Sicily classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites
This ancient and medieval town perched on the hilly region of Trapani is always worth a visit. However, Erice during Christmas becomes a magical festive wonderland. This town converts into a Christmas village, wherein each nook and cranny you can find nativity scenes spread all over its historical centre, or "presepes", ranging from nativity theatrical representations to intricately crafted figures. What's more, once you make your visit here, they will provide you with a nativity-guide map so you won't miss out on these wonderful attractions.
One that cannot be overlooked is the beautiful Nativity Scene of Callari, which traces through the steps from the birth of Jesus until his exile to Egypt.
Furthermore, many more spectacles infuse this beautiful city, such as bagpiper concerts, theatres, dance shows, art and handicraft displays, and gastronomy. There will always be something to do and see, and you'll be able to soak up the charming Christmas spirit that Erice uniquely emanates.
Syracuse distinguishes itself from its Sicilian counterparts for its modern and low-key approach when it comes to Christmas decorations and extravaganza. They nevertheless encapsulate the genuine Sicilian Christmas ethos as does the rest of the island.
However, what amusingly stands out in this town during Christmas are its majestic processions of Santa Lucia -- Syracuse's patron-- during which they parade carrying life-sized statues and followed by a flock of devotees, families and friends.
>>> Discover more about culture and traditions in Italy
14
7
7
10
5
5
